April 2, 2005 - The Flower Fields of Carlsbad
Carlsbad Ranch Flower Fields
Tours March 12 - May 8, 2005
Spring has definitely arrived, and the Calsbad Ranch flower fields are in full bloom. They've got nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus that flower each year in a spectacular display. The fields are set on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in lovely north San Diego County.
Carlsbad Ranch also features a Miniature Rose Garden, Poinsettia Greenhouses, a nursery, gardens and gift shop. Tours are open to the public seven days a week. There's an admission fee.
And, if you're up for a little family fun after your tour, Legoland is just around the corner.
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San Diego County Beach Cities
April 11, 2005 - Celebrate Japanese Culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
April 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 2005
Enjoy a taste of Japanese culture at San Francisco's 38th annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The streets of Japantown will be thronged with Japanese singers, dancers and martial arts demonstrations. And, of course, there will be lots of Japanese food to be savored, as well as cooking demonstrations. You'll also find traditional Japanese arts and crafts, and a children's village.
The Grand Parade takes place on April 24, and features dancers in kimonos, traditional musicians, colorful floats and shrines, and the Cherry Blossom Queen and her court.
Japantown is located at Post & Buchanan Streets.
Where to stay in San Francisco
April 12, 2005 - Strawberries Galore in Santa Barbara County
Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival
April 22-24, 2005
Looking for an excuse to visit beautiful Santa Barbara County? How about the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival? You'll enjoy food, music, carnival rides, arts and crafts, and entertainment. The festival includes a farmers market, agricultural displays, cooking demonstrations, and lots and lots of strawberriies -- the valley's most popular crop.
Where to Stay in Santa Maria
Where to Stay on the Santa Barbara Coast
The Charms of Santa Barbara
April 19, 2005 - San Francisco Boaters Are Off And Sailing
Opening Day on the Bay
April 24, 2005
San Francisco Bay, Pier 39
Celebrate the official beginning of the new boating season on the San Francisco Bay. A boat parade featuring over 250 decorated boats will travel from Crissy Field to Pier 39, starting at 12:00 noon. The boats will travel close to shore, so you'll be able to get a good view. The theme for the decorated boat competition this year is "Movies by the Bay."
The boat parade has been a tradition since 1917, and is organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association. You may even get the chance to see some classic boats, some over 100 years old.
San Francisco Vacation Information
April 20, 2005 - Monterey Wine Festival
29th Annual Monterey Wine Festival
April 28 - 30, 2005
Enjoy plenty of good food and wine in historic downtown Monterey. The festival will feature over 120 wineries from California, Oregon, Washington, Australia and New Zealand, and you'll have the chance to sample more than 1,000 different wines. There will be cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, lunches and lectures.
The festival will open with the New Release Party at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, featuring a gourmet meal and samplings of the best new wines. Fox Searchlight Pictures will be on hand to promote the release of their wine-country movie Sideways on DVD. Loretta Swit ("Hot Lips Houlihan" from the TV series M*A*S*H) will be hosting the event and signing autographs.
Where to stay in Monterey
April 28, 2005 - Morro Bay Car Show
Cruisin' Morro Bay Car Show
May 5 - 8, 2005
Cool cars and the gorgeous central California coast. What could be better?
Last year's show featured over 500 classic and antique cars from all over California and surrounding states. The show has grown every year since it started in 1997, so who knows how many great cars you'll be able to see this year?
Like Morro Bay itself, the car show is casual and fun. You can join in on the Ice Cream Social, BBQ, Harbor Cruises and other festivities. Admission is free. Profits from show activities benefit the Morro Bay Rotary Club, Police Department and the Chamber of Commerce.
Just so you know, Morro Bay is also a great place for seafood lovers, golfers. and beach lovers.
Where to stay in Morro Bay
